ASTM A711/A711M-17(2022)

Standard Specification for Steel Forging Stock

ABSTRACT
This specification covers cast carbon and alloy steel ingots and strand castings, semi-wrought ingots and strand castings, and rolled or forged blooms, billets, and slabs for steel forging stock. Materials shall be manufactured and furnished in a condition that can withstand, for an indefinite time, exposure to all climatic conditions without developing any external or internal cracks. Final products shall be free of injurious surface imperfections. If, however, such defects do occur, surface conditioning, cutting, or parting may be performed by scarfing or flame-cutting. Heat and product analyses shall be carried out to evaluate conformance of steel specimens to chemical composition requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cast carbon and alloy steel ingots and strand castings, semi-wrought ingots and strand castings and rolled or forged blooms, billets, and slabs for forging.  
1.2 Blooms, billets, and slabs are semi-finished steel products, hot rolled or forged to approximate cross-sectional dimensions. Blooms and billets may be square, round, octagonal, or rectangular in section; slabs are rectangular. Although no invariable rule prevails between the terms blooms and billets, and they are frequently used interchangeably, the following size distinctions are in general use.  
1.2.1 Blooms—Cross-sectional area greater than 36 in.2 [230 cm2].  
1.2.2 Billets—Maximum cross-sectional area 36 in.2 [230 cm2].  
1.2.3 Slabs—Minimum thickness, 11/2 in. [4 cm]; width, more than twice the thickness; and generally a cross-sectional area of not less than 16 in.2 [100 cm2].  
1.2.4 Ingots either top or bottom poured or secondary remelted are covered.  
1.2.5 Strand castings with or without additional reduction are covered.  
1.3 Supplementary Requirements (S1 to S19) of an optional nature are provided. They shall apply only when specified by the purchaser.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.5 Unless the order specifies the “M” specification, the material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2022
• ICS: 77.140.85 - Iron and steel forgings
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.06 - Steel Forgings and Billets

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A388/A388M-23 - Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A275/A275M-23 - Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E45-18a(2023) - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-19 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18b - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-18 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-17 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-16a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM A29/A29M-15 - Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-15 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-14a - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-14 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM A788/A788M-13 - Standard Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013

Overview

ASTM A711/A711M-17(2022): Standard Specification for Steel Forging Stock establishes the requirements for cast carbon and alloy steel ingots, strand castings, and semi-wrought steel products used as forging stock. This international standard provides critical guidelines for manufacturing, chemical composition, physical condition, and testing to ensure that steel blooms, billets, slabs, and ingots meet stringent requirements for use in subsequent forging operations. Developed by ASTM International, this standard also aligns with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles, facilitating global trade in steel forging stock.

Key Topics

• Material Scope: Covers cast carbon and alloy steel ingots, strand castings, semi-wrought ingots, rolled or forged blooms, billets, and slabs.
  • Blooms: Cross-sectional area greater than 36 in² [230 cm²].
  • Billets: Cross-sectional area up to 36 in² [230 cm²].
  • Slabs: Rectangular, minimum thickness 1.5 in. [4 cm], and area at least 16 in² [100 cm²].
• Manufacturing Quality:
  • Material must resist cracks under all climatic conditions for an indefinite time.
  • Products must be free from injurious surface imperfections. Permissible methods for correcting surface defects include scarfing and flame-cutting.
• Chemical and Physical Analysis:
  • Mandatory heat and product analysis to ensure compliance with specified chemical composition and requirements.
  • Additional, more restrictive or supplementary tests may be specified by the purchaser.
• Permissible Variations:
  • Variations in weight and conditioning depths are strictly regulated to maintain quality.

Applications

The ASTM A711/A711M standard is crucial for industries requiring high-quality steel forging stock, including:

• Automotive Part Manufacturing: Ensures consistent quality in steel used for forged components such as crankshafts, connecting rods, and gears.
• Machinery and Equipment: Provides specification guidelines for semi-finished steel used in heavy-duty industrial machines and tools.
• Construction & Infrastructure: Enables assurance in the reliability and durability of forged steel parts used in bridges, buildings, and large structures.
• Oil & Gas and Energy Sectors: Guarantees the suitability of steel forging stock for critical components exposed to challenging environments.

By following ASTM A711/A711M, manufacturers and purchasers can rely on standardized material requirements, ensuring compatibility and quality in forged steel products worldwide.

Related Standards

• ASTM A29/A29M: Specification for General Requirements for Steel Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought.
• ASTM A788/A788M: Specification for Steel Forgings, General Requirements.
• ASTM A275/A275M: Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings.
• ASTM A388/A388M: Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings.
• ASTM E45: Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel.
• ASTM E112: Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size.
• ASTM E381: Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, Blooms, and Forgings.

Practical Value

ASTM A711/A711M-17(2022) helps both producers and end-users in the steel industry:

• Ensures consistent material quality, supporting product safety and performance.
• Facilitates international trade by standardizing requirements for steel forging stock.
• Reduces the risk of material failure, downtime, and costly product recalls by mandating thorough testing and analysis.
• Offers flexibility with supplementary requirements for specialized applications or tighter quality control.

Keywords: steel forging stock, ASTM A711/A711M, blooms, billets, slabs, steel ingots, strand castings, steel standards, forging, manufacturing, steel quality, international standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A711/A711M −17 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Steel Forging Stock
This standard is issued under the fixed designationA711/A711M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This specification covers cast carbon and alloy steel
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ingots and strand castings, semi-wrought ingots and strand
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
castings and rolled or forged blooms, billets, and slabs for
forging.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 Blooms, billets, and slabs are semi-finished steel
2.1 ASTM Standards:
products, hot rolled or forged to approximate cross-sectional
A29/A29MSpecificationforGeneralRequirementsforSteel
dimensions. Blooms and billets may be square, round,
Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought
octagonal, or rectangular in section; slabs are rectangular.
A275/A275MPracticeforMagneticParticleExaminationof
Althoughnoinvariableruleprevailsbetweenthetermsblooms
Steel Forgings
and billets, and they are frequently used interchangeably, the
A388/A388MPractice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel
following size distinctions are in general use.
Forgings
1.2.1 Blooms—Cross-sectional area greater than 36 in.
A788/A788MSpecification for Steel Forgings, General Re-
[230 cm ].
quirements
1.2.2 Billets—Maximum cross-sectional area 36 in.
E45Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of
[230cm ].
1 Steel
1.2.3 Slabs—Minimum thickness, 1 ⁄2 in. [4 cm]; width,
E112Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size
more than twice the thickness; and generally a cross-sectional
2 2
E381Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets,
area of not less than 16 in. [100 cm ].
Blooms, and Forgings
1.2.4 Ingots either top or bottom poured or secondary
remelted are covered.
3. Ordering Information and General Requirements
1.2.5 Strand castings with or without additional reduction
are covered.
3.1 When this specification is to be applied to an inquiry,
contract, or order, the purchaser shall furnish the following
1.3 Supplementary Requirements (S1 to S19) of an optional
information in addition to those specified in Specification
nature are provided. They shall apply only when specified by
A788/A788M:
the purchaser.
3.1.1 The grade of material desired.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1.2 Product form restrictions (for example, ingots, strand
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
castings, billets) if any, and
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3.1.3 Applicable supplementary requirements.
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1.4 Surface condition.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
3.2 Material supplied to this specification shall conform to
the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, which out-
1.5 Unless the order specifies the “M” specification, the
lines additional ordering information, manufacturing
material shall be furnished to the inch-pound units.
requirements, testing and retesting methods and procedures,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
marking, certification, product analysis variations, and addi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tional supplementary requirements.
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and RelatedAlloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.06 on Steel Forgings and Billets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A711/A711M–17. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/A0711_A0711M-17R22. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A711/A711M − 17 (2022)
3.2.1 If the requirements of this specification are in conflict
Lots Number of Pieces
15 tons [13.5 t] or less 4
with the requirements of Specification A788/A788M, the
Over 15 tons [13.5 t] 6
requirements of this specification shall prevail.
5.3.3 If the number of pieces from cast or heat is less than
4. Materials and Manufacture
the number of samples specified in 5.3.2, one sample shall be
4.1 Discard—Sufficient discard shall be made to secure taken from each piece.
freedom from piping and undue segregation.
5.3.4 When chips are taken by drilling, the approximate
diameter of the drill used shall be as follows:
4.2 Reduction from Ingot—Except as otherwise agreed in
accordance with Supplementary Requirement S3.2, the mate- Area of Cross Section to Be Sampled, Approximate Drill Diameter,
2 2
in. [cm ] in. [mm]
rial shall be made from product having at least two times the
16 [100] and under ⁄2 [13]
cross-sectional area of the material.
Over 16 [100] 1 [25]
4.3 Stability—Material shall be furnished in a condition to
6. Permissible Variations
withstand, for an indefinite time, exposure to all climatic
conditions without developing any external or internal cracks.
6.1 The permissible variation from the specified or theoreti-
Themethodofcoolingoroftreatmentbeforeshipmentshallbe
cal weight of blooms, billets, and slabs shall be 65% for
optional with the manufacturer, but he shall be responsible (in
individual pieces or for lots of less than a carload. For carload
the same manner as for defects disclosed after delivery) for
lots the permissible variation shall be 62.5% of the total
cracks that may develop before material is subjected to
weight of the lot.
reheating. When specific stability treatment of material is
specified by the purchaser, the manufacturer shall be respon-
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
sible only for carrying out those specific operations but shall
not be responsible for cracks that may develop before material 7.1 The material shall be free of injurious imperfections.
is subjected to reheating.
7.2 Conditioning, cutting, or parting of material may be
done by scarfing or flame-cutting when methods involving
5. Chemical Composition
preheating and temperature control necessary to avoid any
5.1 The chemical composition shall conform to the require-
damage to flame-cut material are employed.
ments specified in the purchase order or the individual product
specification. For convenience the grades commonly specified
7.3 Surface Conditioning—Material may be conditioned to
for carbon and alloy steel, blooms, billets, or slabs are shown
remove injurious surface defects, provided the depth of condi-
in Table 1 and Table 2 of the latest issue of Specification
tioning does not exceed ⁄16in. [1.5 mm] for each inch of
A29/A29M. Blooms, billets, or slabs may be ordered to these
dimension concerned, up to a maximum depth of ⁄4 in.
grade designations, and when so ordered shall conform to the
[20mm], and provided that the width of the conditioning is at
specified limits by heat analysis.
least four times its greatest depth; except that in the case of
slabs where the width is at least twice the thickness, the depth
5.2 Heat Analysis:
of conditioning on the wide surfaces may exceed this allow-
5.2.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made in
ance by 50%, up to a maximum depth of ⁄4 in. [20 mm]. The
accordance with Specification A788/A788M.
maximum depth of conditioning on two parallel sides at
5.3 Product Analysis:
opposite locations shall not exceed one and one half times the
5.3.1 A product analysis may be made by the purchaser in
maximum allowed for one side.All conditioned areas must be
accordance with Specification A788/A788M.
flared to result in a uniform blending.
5.3.2 To indicate adequately the composition of a heat or
lot, samples selected to represent the
...